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Portugal full back Miguel is confident his side can upset the odds
in their semi-final against France on Wednesday evening.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side go into the match in Munich as the outsiders to
win the World Cup after gruelling battles against Holland and England
in their last two games.

However, Miguel is trying to ignore those doubting Portugal's credentials
and believes their desire to win their first World Cup will help
them overcome the fatigue from previous games.

"I don't want to appear over-confident but I want to say that we can
beat France because our squad is capable of doing so," said Miguel.

"The last two games have been enormously tiring but I can guarantee
we are prepared for Wednesday's match, which will be very difficult.

"It's a long time since Portugal reached this round of a World Cup so our desire
will help us overcome any tiredness. This is a very special
moment for us, and all the Portuguese people, so we don't want to disappoint
them and ourselves.

"We have reached this round, we know our worth. On Wednesday
we have to do our best so our consciences rest well even if things go against us."

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old is trying to disregard press reports
linking him with a move away from Valencia after the World Cup.

Miguel has impressed in Germany as part of a defence
that has conceded just one goal, sparking rumours he will join
either Barcelona or Milan this summer.

"I know there have been things in the paper but at this
moment it's the least important thing," he added.

"We are with the national team and all that is on our minds
is to get to the World Cup final. I am only thinking of the World Cup
and, while it's good to know that people are interested, at the moment
I don't want to know."


Football Italia

[Fillipo Simone]

Now that Portugal is out ( (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) , bronze medail game goes to Germany I suppose), he could consider a transfer. I really don´t know what to say about him. Is he "Milan quality"? Defensive skills are average, he has nice ball control and pace, but is too often in attack and does nothing very efficient. His flanks are unprecised and not determined, and he seems a bit unstable. Also, very unpredictable. But still, he is not too old, so still time for improvement. But it looks to me like a typicall Barca transfer. If we get Zambrotta instead, just go ahead... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)